Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern Tour organized by ASCE Texas Section Younger Member Committee
The ASCE Texas Section Younger Member (YM) Committee, in collaboration with the ASCE Houston Branch YM Committee, organized a guided tour of the historic Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern on June 12, 2025, at 4:00 PM. Due to the Cistern’s limited capacity, attendance was capped at 30 participants. However, thanks to the enthusiastic interest in the event, we received 32 registrations. The Cistern team graciously accommodated the additional attendees, allowing all registrants to participate. The event brought together young engineers from various firms and disciplines across Houston, providing a unique opportunity for both learning and networking in a remarkable setting.
The Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern is one of Houston’s earliest underground drinking water reservoirs. It supported the city’s municipal water system for decades until it was decommissioned in 2007 after the discovery of an irreparable leak. In 2010, while developing Buffalo Bayou Park, the Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) rediscovered the long-forgotten site. Recognizing its architectural and historical value, BBP partnered with the Houston-based architecture and engineering firm Page to restore and repurpose the space. Renovations included a new ground-level entrance and an ADA-compliant walkway with guardrails along the interior perimeter. The Cistern reopened to the public in May 2016 as a stunning civic space for tours and art installations.
The tour began with check-in at the reception area, followed by a round of introductions on the open terrace above the Cistern (Image 1). Attendees then proceeded inside the Cistern, where the guide provided an overview of the tour and briefed the group on visitor rules and safety protocols (Image 2). Led by an expert tour guide, participants explored the Cistern’s vast interior and learned about its history, structural design, and engineering significance (Image 3). Highlights of the tour included a captivating light show that illuminated the Cistern’s concrete columns in vibrant colors. With six inches of water permanently pooled at the base, the columns’ reflections created an optical illusion of infinite pillars—an awe-inspiring sight (Image 4).
One of the most memorable moments was a vocal demonstration by the tour guide, who sang to showcase the Cistern’s powerful acoustics. Surrounded by concrete walls, the space produces a distinctive echo, which attendees were encouraged to test for themselves—an engaging and entertaining activity that added to the tour’s unique experience. The 30-minute tour concluded with a group photo at the Cistern entrance (Image 5), capturing the energy and camaraderie of the event.
To round out the evening, attendees gathered at Tejas Brewery for a happy hour and informal networking. With light refreshments and relaxed conversations on the brewery’s open terrace, the evening closed on a high note (Image 6).
This event was a great success thanks to the participation of our local young engineers, the cooperation of the Cistern staff, and the continued support of both the ASCE Texas Section and the Houston Branch YM Committees. We look forward to organizing more events that combine learning, history, and fun.
